BEYOND THE BALLOT: CHIEF IFEANYI ORUH CALLS FOR UNITY, CHARGES VICTORIOUS APC CANDIDATES AND CONTENDERS TO CLOSE RANKS BEHIND GOVERNOR UZODIMMA
In the immediate aftermath of the highly competitive and historic All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primary elections that unfolded across Imo State yesterday, a powerful voice of reason, reconciliation, and strategic foresight has emerged to guide the party toward a unified future. Chief Ifeanyi Damian Oruh, the Honourable Commissioner for Rural Development and Empowerment, has stepped forward with a profound and stabilizing perspective on the outcome of the exercise. Describing the primaries as a beautiful yet intense demonstration of grassroots democracy in its truest form, Chief Oruh extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the flagbearers who emerged victorious across the various federal constituencies in the state. He noted that the transparency of the process, driven by the popular will of the party faithful, has shown that the APC remains the most vibrant, resilient, and deeply rooted political family in the Eastern Heartland.
In his comprehensive assessment of the exercise, the Commissioner emphasized that the victories recorded by the newly minted candidates, including Jonas Okeke, Ngozi Pat Ekeji, Cosmos Maduba, Chukwudi Anyanwuocha, and Canice Moore Nwachukwu Omeogo, are not just personal triumphs but a sacred mandate conferred upon them by the grassroots. Chief Oruh reminded the winners that the real work begins now, as the party transitions from internal contests to preparing for the general elections. He urged them to carry their victory with utmost humility, opening their arms to embrace all former contenders, and to recognize that a united front is the only guarantee for a total victory at the polls. According to him, the tickets they hold belong to the entire APC family in their respective constituencies, and their primary responsibility moving forward is to be torchbearers of the Shared Prosperity philosophy that has defined the current administration.
Turning his attention to the incumbent lawmakers and heavyweights who did not secure the return tickets, including Princess Miriam Onuoha, Matthew Nwogu, Harrison Nwadike, and Emeka Martins Chinedu, Chief Oruh offered words of deep encouragement and a passionate appeal for party loyalty. He maintained that in a true democracy, especially one operating under the transparent ideals championed by the APC in Imo State, every contest must yield a winner, but that does not make the other participants losers. He commended their resilience, their massive investments in the party, and the sportsmanship they displayed throughout the rigorous process. The Commissioner strongly urged them to resist the temptation of bitterness or division, calling on them to stand tall as true party men and women by channeling their energy, organizational structures, and constituents toward supporting the ultimate victory of the APC. He reminded them that the party is large enough to accommodate the talents and ambitions of all its dedicated sons and daughters, and that their loyalty today will undoubtedly pave the way for future opportunities.
Central to Chief Oruh’s address was a resounding tribute to the leadership style of the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma. The Commissioner stated that the success and relative peace recorded during yesterday’s primaries were the direct result of the Governor’s insistence on a level playing field and his absolute respect for internal party democracy. By refusing to impose candidates and allowing the underlying current of the Charter of Equity and grassroots popularity to dictate the outcomes, Governor Uzodimma has once again proven to be a father figure and a visionary statesman. Chief Oruh asserted that the greatest honor the party can bestow upon the Governor at this critical moment is for all factions to dissolve their grievances and unite behind his leadership to safeguard the peace, stability, and ongoing development of the state.
As the dust settles on this definitive political exercise, Chief Oruh re-emphasized that the primary goal of the APC remains the total transformation of Imo State, particularly the rural communities that form the bedrock of the electorate. He concluded by stating that the strength of the party lies in its capacity to heal quickly, close ranks, and march forward as one indivisible force. For Chief Ifeanyi Damian Oruh, yesterday’s primaries were a test of character for every stakeholder, and he remains completely confident that the leaders and members of the APC will rise above individual disappointments to deliver a resounding, collective victory for the party, the Governor, and the people of the Eastern Heartland in the days ahead.
Julian Chijioke PhD writes from the Eastern Heartland.
